Determining performance indicators for periodic movements

ABSTRACT

A method for determining a value of a performance indicator for a periodic movement performed by a human or an animal. The method includes receiving ( 210 ) time series data from an inertial sensor used for sensing the periodic movement, partitioning ( 220 ) the received time series data into periods of the movement, and transforming ( 230 ) the time series data of each period into a data representation of a defined size. The method further includes classifying ( 240 ) each period into a movement class, and determining ( 250 ) a value of a performance indicator for at least one period of the movement, based on the data representation and on the movement class of the at least one period.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to performance of movements performed by a humanor animal. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a system and amethod for determining a value of a performance indicator for a periodicmovement performed by a human or an animal.

BACKGROUND

Many professional athletes, but also joggers or persons performing otherphysical exercises use pulse watches as a training aid today. The pulsewatches may also incorporate positioning systems for collecting moresophisticated information during exercise. However, the pulse watchesstill provide a limited amount of information, and does not provide anyinformation about how a physical exercise or movement is performed.Different tools based on video analysis are used in many sports for posthoc analysis of movements and physical exercises. Such tools maycomprise everything from simple systems based on consumer cameras withgraphic annotation interfaces, to considerably more complex andexpensive motion-capture systems for more precise three dimensionalmodeling of movements. A drawback of such tools is that the feedback isprovided only after the exercise, and that it may be difficult toobserve small differences between movements performed by the athlete.Furthermore, the tools based on video analysis are difficult to use in asport such as cross-country skiing or running, as the athlete is movingover a large area during the exercise, and it may be difficult tocapture every movement with a camera.

Another type of tools for analysis of an athlete's movements is based onthe use of sensors placed on different parts of the athlete's body,where the sensors typically communicate wirelessly with a computer. Thesensors may capture data which may be difficult for a trainer to seewith his own eyes. The computer may thus capture data from the sensorson the athlete's body during the exercise, and the captured data maythen be used in an analysis tool on the computer to analyze theathlete's performance and movements. The analysis can be used e.g. as atraining aid to improve the performance of the athlete. However, a greatnumber of sensors may be needed to get a useful result, and they mayinterfere with the athlete's movements during the exercise. Furthermore,even if the data capture is performed during the exercise, it may stillbe complex and time consuming to analyze the large amount of data thatis collected and to provide relevant and understandable feedback inreal-time during the exercise.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object to address some of the problems outlinedabove, and to provide a solution providing values of performanceindicators determined for a periodic movement performed by e.g. anathlete, without hindering or restricting the athlete's movements, suchthat accurate and relevant feedback regarding the athlete's performancecan be given in real time. This object and others are achieved by themethod and the system according to the independent claims, and by theembodiments according to the dependent claims.

In accordance with a first embodiment, a method for determining a valueof a performance indicator for a periodic movement performed by a humanor an animal is provided. The method comprises receiving time seriesdata from an inertial sensor used for sensing the periodic movement,partitioning the received time series data into periods of the movement,and transforming the time series data of each period into a datarepresentation of a defined size. The method further comprisesclassifying each period into a movement class based on the datarepresentations and a statistical model comprising a Markov chain ofmultivariate Gaussian distributions for each at least one movementclass. The method also comprises determining a value of a performanceindicator for at least one period of the movement, based on the datarepresentation and on the movement class of the at least one period.

In accordance with a second embodiment, a system for determining a valueof a performance indicator for a periodic movement performed by a humanor an animal is provided. The system comprises an inertial sensor forsensing the periodic movement, and a communication unit connected to aprocessing circuit. The communication unit is configured to receive timeseries data from the inertial sensor. The processing circuit isconfigured to partition the received time series data into periods ofthe movement, transform the time series data of each period into a datarepresentation of a defined size, and classify each period into amovement class based on the data representations and a statistical modelcomprising a Markov chain of multivariate Gaussian distributions foreach at least one movement class. The processing circuit is alsoconfigured to determine a performance indicator for at least one periodof the movement, based on the data representation and on the movementclass of the at least one period.

An advantage of embodiments is that only one sensor and limitedprocessor capacity is needed for determining a value of a performanceindicator for the periodic movement performed by e.g. an athlete duringexercise. A further advantage is that the performance indicator valuesmay be provided in real-time for immediate feedback on the performance.

The risk of disturbing the athlete's movements during the exercise isthus minimized, while still providing accurate and relevant feedback tothe athlete in terms of performance indicator values making it possiblefor the athlete to adapt the movement during the exercise.

Another advantage is that it is easy to compare an athlete's techniqueand performance during a certain exercise with a previous exerciseperformed under the same premises. It also enables a comparison betweendifferent athletes performances under similar outside conditions.

Other objects, advantages and features of embodiments will be explainedin the following detailed description when considered in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2a-b are flowcharts illustrating the method according toembodiments.

FIGS. 3a-b are block diagrams schematically illustrating the systemaccording to embodiments.

FIGS. 4a-c are plot diagrams of raw data collected from three differentskiers using skating gear 2.

FIGS. 5a-c are plot diagrams of raw data collected from three differentskiers using skating gear 3.

FIG. 6 is a graph schematically illustrating forward acceleration valueas a function of time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, different aspects will be described in more detailwith references to certain embodiments and to accompanying drawings. Forpurposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are setforth, such as particular scenarios and techniques, in order to providea thorough understanding of the different embodiments. However, otherembodiments that depart from these specific details may also exist.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the functionsand means explained herein below may be implemented using softwarefunctioning in conjunction with a programmed microprocessor or generalpurpose computer, and/or using an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC). It will also be appreciated that while the embodimentsare primarily described in the form of a method and a system, they mayalso be embodied in a computer program product as well as in a systemcomprising a computer processor and a memory coupled to the processor,wherein the memory is encoded with one or more programs that may performthe functions disclosed herein.

Embodiments are described in a non-limiting general context in relationto example scenarios where the periodic movement is a movement of anathlete such as a cross-country skier using a classic or skate skitechnique or a runner, and with a system according to the oneillustrated in FIG. 1, where the sensor is a three-dimensionalaccelerometer. However, it should be noted that the embodiments may alsobe applied to other types of periodic movements, such as the periodicmovement of a horse, or of a person performing a rehab program movement,and to systems that build on data from other types of sensors such as aone-dimensional accelerometer.

The problem of sensors hindering movement and the inability ofdetermining relevant training aid information in real time from largeamounts of streaming data generated by a sensor based system, has beensolved by a method where an inertial sensor, such as an accelerometer ora gyroscope, is placed on the body of the skier to sense the periodicalski skating movement of the skier. Streaming data from the sensor isthen collected and partitioned into periods of the skier's periodicalmovement. The data of each period is transformed into a datarepresentation of a defined size, in order to represent each period in anormalized way thus allowing a comparison between periods. Thepartitioning and the transformation may be referred to as apre-processing of time series data retrieved from the sensor. Theadvantage of the pre-processing is that it allows for a datarepresentation in real-time of the periodical movement based onstreaming data from an inertial sensor. Furthermore, the datarepresentation is particularly suitable as a basis for classification ofmovement patterns, as well as for a calculation of different performanceindicators for the movement. The data representation may thus be usedfor a subsequent classification of the periods into a movement classwhich gives as a result the class of the movement that the skier isperforming during a period. Furthermore, based on the pre-processed datarepresentation, and optionally also based on the result from theclassification, a value of a performance indicator may be determined. Aperformance indicator is typically defined as a quantitative orqualitative measurement, or any other criterion, by which theperformance, efficiency, or achievement can be assessed, often bycomparison with an agreed standard or target. Such a determinedperformance indicator value may thus be used to evaluate e.g. aperformance of the periodic movement performed by a cross-country skier.

In the example of cross-country skiing, different periodic limb-movementpatterns are used for different terrain and speeds. A skier may thus beusing different periodic movements e.g. depending on if she is skiinguphill or downhill. For classic ski technique, the following skitechniques may be mentioned: diagonal techniques, double polingtechnique, kick double poling technique, herringbone techniques withouta gliding phase, downhill techniques and turning techniques. Each ofthese ski techniques may correspond to a movement class, and theperiodic movement of the skier may thus be classified into one of theski techniques.

For the example of ski-skating, there is no internationally acceptednaming convention for different skating techniques. The following aresome examples of the naming of five well defined skating techniques,followed by a brief description of the technique:

-   -   1. Gear 1, diagonal V, or single-poling: Similar to the classic        herringbone but with a short glide on each ski. This technique        is used in very steep uphill.    -   2. Gear 2, V1, or offset skate: Slightly off-set double-pole on        every other leg.    -   3. Gear 3, V2, or 1-skate: Double-pole on every leg. Used on the        flat for accelerating and on moderate uphill.    -   4. Gear 4, V2 alternate, or 2-Skate: Double-pole on every other        leg. Used on the flat, while climbing and on gentle downhill.    -   5. Gear 5, V skating, or free-skate: Skating without using the        poles. Used on downhill at very high speed.

Each defined skating gear may correspond to a movement class, and theperiodic movement of the skier may thus be classified into one of thedefined skating gears.

When it comes to running, one may e.g. classify the periodic movement ofa runner into the movement classes of forefoot-midfoot running andheel-toes running. For the movement of a horse one may think ofclassifying into the movement classes walking-pace, trotting, andgalloping. What movement classes to use may vary depending on whatperformance indicators that are interesting to determine. Some examplesof performance indicators are a propulsion indicator, a level ofconsistency of the movement, a frequency of movement, and a level ofsymmetry within a period. These performance indicators will be furtherdescribed below.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 according to one embodiment of theinvention. A unit 100 comprising the inertial sensor 105 connected to amobile terminal 101, is placed on an athlete. The unit 100 may e.g. beplaced on the chest or on the back of the athlete. The mobile terminal101 comprises a processing circuit 102, and a transmitter 103 fortransmitting sensor data to an internet server 110 via a mobile network.The connection between the sensor 105 and the mobile terminal 101 may bea Bluetooth connection, thus making it possible to place the sensor at adistance from the mobile terminal. Furthermore, more than one sensor 105may be connected to the terminal 101. For example both an accelerometerand a gyroscope may be connected and synchronized with each other.Alternatively two accelerometers placed at different parts of the bodymay be connected. Today's smart phones have integrated accelerometersand could thus be used as the unit 100 placed on the skier providing acombined sensor 105 and mobile terminal 101. Additional devices such asa Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver device may also be connectedto the terminal 101. The server 110 may also be connected to a database(DB) 120 used e.g. for storing data collected from the inertial sensorin the form of raw data or pre-processed data, or for storing resultsfrom the classification of the movement and/or performance indicators.

Time series data received from the sensor 105 may be pre-processed andclassified locally in the unit 100 carried by the skier, e.g. in theprocessing circuit 102 of the terminal 101. Time series data may bereferred to as a sequence of data received from the sensor 105 overtime. An advantage of this embodiment of locally classified data is thatperformance indicator values may be determined locally and that there isthus no need for the connection to the internet server 110. The systemis self-contained. Alternatively, the raw time series data received fromthe sensor 105 may be transmitted to the server 110, and thepre-processing, the classifying, and the determining of performanceindicator values may be performed in the server 110. In the case when noprocessing of the data is performed in the unit 100 carried by theskier, the unit 100 will only need to comprise the sensor 105 and thetransmitter 103 adapted to forward the raw sensor data to the server110. An advantage of this embodiment is that the unit 100 carried by theskier is reduced to a minimum. A combination is also possible, whereinthe pre-processing of the time series data is performed in the unit 100carried by the skier, and wherein the pre-processed data is transmittedto the server 110 for further classification and determination ofperformance indicators. An advantage of this embodiment is that theamount of data transmitted between the unit 100 on the skier and theserver 110 is reduced compared to if raw sensor data is transmitted tothe server 110.

Furthermore, a client or user terminal 130 may be connected to theinternet server 110 for visualizing the results from the classificationand the performance indicators. Also the visualization could be done inreal-time. The client may be connected wirelessly, and used e.g. by aski trainer following the skier's performance on site by visualizing theclassification and performance indicator values in the client userinterface. Correspondingly, the unit 100 carried by the skier may alsoprovide a user interface 104 for visualizing the results from themovement analysis in real-time during the exercise. However, for theathlete performing the movement, the user interface would preferablyprovide audio and/or tactile feedback signals, such that the feedbackmay be heard or sensed. That would make it possible to receiveperformance feedback during the exercise while still continuing thetraining without disturbances. The performance indicator values that aredetermined during the exercise may thus e.g. be compared to one or morethreshold values. A feedback signal may be generated based on thecomparison with the threshold(s) and transmitted to the user interface104 to provide a sound or a touch indicating a certain performance.

FIG. 2a is a flowchart illustrating the method for determining a valueof a performance indicator for a periodic movement performed by a humanor an animal according to an embodiment of the invention. In oneembodiment, the periodic movement is a movement of a cross-countryskiing person. The method comprises:

-   -   210: Receiving time series data from an inertial sensor used for        sensing the periodic movement. The sensor may be an        accelerometer or a gyroscope. An accelerometer may provide data        from the sensed movement in different directions or axes. A        three-dimensional accelerometer would e.g. provide data in three        perpendicular directions: The lateral movement direction, the        vertical movement direction, and the horizontal backward and        forward movement direction. The received time series data is        thus three-dimensional, and may provide support for a rather        detailed movement analysis. However, a one dimensional        accelerometer may be enough for the purpose of the invention,        depending on the type of periodic movement that is to be        analyzed. If the movement is primarily in the vertical        direction, a one-dimensional accelerometer may be enough for a        good analysis. In the following, the sensor used is assumed to        be a three-dimensional accelerometer. Furthermore, the sampling        rate of the sensor has to be high enough to allow for a useful        analysis. In one example embodiment suitable for the analysis of        a ski skating movement, the sampling rate is in the order of one        sample every 10 ms.    -   220: Partitioning the received time series data into periods of        the movement or into partitions of the movement each        corresponding to a period of the movement. The purpose of the        partitioning is thus to get a data representation of the sensor        data for each period of the movement, such that each movement        period may be analyzed. For ski-skating, a period is typically        of the length of 0.8-1.6 seconds. The partitioning may in        embodiments comprise low-pass filtering the received time series        data to identify limits between each period of the movement. By        low-pass filtering the data received with a low cut-off        frequency, the periods of the movement will stand out clearer        from the filtered data. This allows to pin-point when in time        one movement period stops and the next one begins based on the        data. In alternative example embodiments, the limits between the        periods may be identified as the point in time when the filtered        data has a peak, or when it passes zero in one direction (upward        or downwards). In the example of ski skating, a period is        typically of a length of 0.8-1.6 seconds as already mentioned        above, and a low enough cut-off frequency for the low-pass        filtering may then be 1-2 Hz. The partitioning of the time        series data may then be done in accordance with the identified        limits. As the limits between the periods have been identified,        the received sensor data may be cut up or partitioned into        periods accordingly.    -   230: Transforming the time series data of each period into a        data representation of a defined size. This step is together        with the partitioning of the data into periods also referred to        as the pre-processing of the sensor data, crucial for the        possibility to do a classification and to determine performance        indicator values based on the data representation. Furthermore,        the pre-processing may be performed in real-time based on        streaming data. The transforming may in embodiments comprise a        low-pass filtering of the time series data of each period to        reduce noise. In this way the trajectory of the movement will be        accentuated, and only relevant information is kept. Typically a        higher cut-off frequency is used than when identifying the        periods. In the example of ski skating with periods slower than        1 Hz, a suitable cut-off frequency for the low-pass filtering        might be around 5 Hz. The transforming may then also comprise a        re-sampling of the low-pass filtered data to form a data        representation of a defined size. As a time period of the skiers        movement is not constant, due to variations in the skier's        performance e.g. because of the steepness of a ski track slope,        the data corresponding to a period needs to be re-sampled in        order to get a data representation of a defined size. Another        reason for the re-sampling is that the sensor's sampling rate        may present a variation over time such that the time between        samples may be slightly differing. There are several alternative        embodiments possible for the transformation into a data        representation of a defined size. Alternatives may be to use a        Fourier transform method or a Principal Component Analysis (PCA)        method.    -   240: Classifying each period into a movement class based on the        data representations and a statistical model comprising a Markov        chain of multivariate Gaussian distributions for each at least        one movement class. If only one movement class is modeled, a        statistical anomaly detection method can be used to determine        whether a movement period belongs to that class. With one        movement class for each type of movement, a statistical machine        learning method can be used to classify the movement period.    -   250: Determining a value of a performance indicator for at least        one period of the movement, based on the data representations        and on the movement class of the at least one period. Values of        several different performance indicators may be determined for        one or several periods of the movement. For some performance        indicators, information related to the classification of a        period may not always be needed.

In the following, different embodiments related to the determining ofvalues of different performance indicators are described. As explainedabove, the data representations may consist of low-pass filteredthree-dimensional accelerometer time series data which is resampled suchthat each period is represented by the acceleration at a defined numberof steps, the so called data representation. The data representation ofa period may also be referred to as a vector for the period, or simply aperiod vector, where each vector element corresponds to an accelerationvalue. Each step or each vector element thus represents the accelerationat a fixed phase of the movement. Values of different types ofperformance indicators may therefore be deduced directly from the datarepresentations. This makes the process for determining performanceindicators for a period of the movement simple and fast as thedetermining requires no more input than the pre-processed time-seriesdata or the data representation of the period, and optionally alsoinformation related to the movement class to which the datarepresentation of the period corresponds.

A performance indicator that may be interesting for any periodicmovement and movement class is a level of consistency between severalperiods of a same movement class. The level of consistency is inverselyrelated to the variance of the pre-processed time series data, alsoreferred to as the data representation, for a number of periods N. Thelevel of consistency is thus high if the variance is low and vice versa.However, the level of consistency must also be put in relation to thetotal variance of acceleration within the periods, to avoid that smallmovements appear more consistent than large ones just because of theirlower total variance. Explained with reference to a more detailedexample, a phase dependent variance V_(PHASE) may be defined as theaverage of the square distances between each of the period vectors to anaverage vector of all N period vectors. If the total accelerationvariance V_(TOTAL) is defined as the average of the variances inacceleration values in each of the three directions, the value of thelevel of consistency may e.g. be calculated as the square root of(V_(TOTAL)−V_(PHASE))/V_(TOTAL). This measure is 1 when the vectors ofthe N periods are all equal and close to 0 when they are completelyunrelated to each other. The value of the level of consistency thusindicates if the human or animal performs the periodic movement in aconsistent manner or not. An advantage of determining the value of thelevel of consistency in this way is that it may be done in real time asit may be deduced directly from the data representations.

Alternatively, a similar scheme can be used to compare a movement periodwith a reference movement for the same movement class instead of withthe same person's movement. The reference movement may be from an idealreference, or it may simply be another person's movement. In this case,when calculating V_(PHASE), the square distance between one or severalmovement period vectors to the reference movement period vector is usedinstead of to the average of those one or several movement periodvectors. In such a case the value of level of consistency gives anindication of similarities and differences between e.g. two personsperforming a same movement. Such a performance indicator may beinteresting e.g. when comparing performance and techniques of the twopersons, and when analyzing a connection between the movement anddifferent kinds of injuries. Both consistency relative a referencemovement and consistency relative the athletes own movement may thus beassessed using the consistency level performance indicator.

In one embodiment, the performance indicator may comprise a level ofconsistency for at least two periods classified into a same movementclass. The value of the level of consistency may be determined based ona variance of the data representation for the at least two periods.

A further performance indicator may be a frequency of movement. For across country skier using a skate technique it may for example beinteresting to know the frequency of the movement e.g. when using gear3. For this performance indicator a plurality of subsequent periods ofthe same movement class corresponding e.g. to gear 3 are analyzed withregards to how many periods that occur during the time lapsed during allof the subsequent periods. This gives a value for the frequency ofmovement classified as gear 3.

Thus, in a further embodiment, the performance indicator may comprise afrequency of movement. The value of the frequency of movement may bedetermined by dividing an amount of subsequent periods classified into asame movement class with the time lapsed during said subsequent periods.

Still another performance indicator that may be interesting for e.g. arunner is a level of symmetry for one period of the movement. One periodof a runners periodic movement e.g. classified into the movement classof heel-toes running, may be determined to start when the heel of theright foot comes in contact with the ground and to stop right before theheel of the right foot comes into contact with the ground next time. Asecond half of the period starts when the runner's heel of the left footcomes into contact with the ground. Ideally, the first and the secondhalf of the movement period should be symmetric, so a level of symmetryvalue could be a valuable performance indicator. To calculate thesymmetry it is noted that the data representation of a perfectlyleft-right symmetric movement should look similar to itself ifphase-shifted half a period and mirrored along the x-axis. V_(MIRROR)may thus in one embodiment be defined as the square distance between aperiod vector and the same period vector phase shifted and with changedsign on all acceleration values in the x-direction. V_(TOTAL) is againthe total acceleration variance of the period. The symmetry may then becalculated e.g. as the square root of (V_(TOTAL)−V_(MIRROR))/V_(TOTAL).

In another embodiment, the performance indicator comprises a level ofsymmetry for a period classified into a movement class corresponding toa symmetric movement, such as a runner's periodic movement. In thisembodiment, the value of the level of symmetry is determined based on avariance of the data representation of the period and a cyclicallyphase-shifted and mirrored data representation of the period.

A performance indicator that may be interesting for the movement classof double poling for a cross-country skier using a classic technique isa propulsion indicator. When looking at the periodic movement of a skierthat is classified into the double poling movement class, it isinteresting to know how much of the movement period that corresponds tothe pushing on the poles, which is the part of the periodic movementthat contributes to the propulsion of the skier in the direction ofmovement of the skier. The purpose of the propulsion indicator is toprovide a measurement of this contribution to the propulsion of theskier. The time of the period that the poles are in the snow and areused to push the skier forward is put in relation to the time of thetotal period, which thus gives a measure of how much of the movementperiod that is used for propulsion of the skier forward. This isillustrated in the graph in FIG. 6, illustrating a forward accelerationvalue as a function of time. The forward acceleration over time is takendirectly from the pre-processed data representation. One period of themovement corresponding to the movement class of double poling isillustrated. T=t3−t1 is the total period time. Between time t1 and timet2, the forward acceleration values are positive and correspond to thetime of the period when the skier is pushed forward, i.e. the time ofpropulsion. From time t2 until the end of the period at t3 theacceleration values are negative and the time period thus corresponds tothe time of retardation when the poles are not contributing to theforward movement. The propulsion indicator is calculated as (t2−t1)/T.Based on the data representation, the length of the longest sequence ofpositive forward acceleration values may be determined and may bedivided by the total length of the period to get the propulsionindicator.

The propulsion indicator may also be interesting for a runner. In amovement period for a runner it is possible to determine from the periodvector during what time the runner has contact between foot and ground,sometimes referred to as a contact time. The contact time for both theright and the left foot during a movement period is put into relation tothe time of the total movement period, thus determining a value for thepropulsion indicator for the runner. In the example of a sprinter, thecontact time is preferably short in order for the sprinter to run fast,and the performance indicator should thus have a low value for a wellperforming sprinter.

Thus, in one embodiment, the performance indicator may comprise apropulsion indicator for a period. Determining 250 the value of thepropulsion indicator may comprise determining a first time valuecorresponding to a sequence of positive forward acceleration values inthe data representation of the period, determining a second time valuecorresponding to the time of the period, and dividing the first timevalue with the second time value.

Another example of a performance indicator may be a force indicator,e.g. for a cross-country skier. The value of the force indicator may bedetermined by multiplying the weight of the skier with the accelerationof the skier in the direction of movement. Furthermore, a powerindicator may be determined as the force indicator value multiplied bythe skiers speed. To determine a force indicator, information related tothe speed of the skier is required. The speed is not directlyretrievable from the pre-processed time series data from the inertialsensor and must therefore be retrieved from e.g. a GPS receiver carriedby the skier. In the case of the force indicator, the weight of theskier is needed. Such personal data may e.g. be entered manually intothe system by the skier. Therefore, additional information such as pulsebeat information or positioning information may be retrieved from othersensors and devices, or may be entered e.g. via a user interface, tomake it possible to determine diverse performance indicators.

In embodiments of the invention that may be combined with any of theabove described embodiments, the method may comprise also the buildingup of the statistical model used for the classification of the movementbased on the data representation derived from pre-collected time seriesdata associated with at least one movement class. By pre-collecting timeseries data from e.g. skier's when they are performing a certain type ofskating technique, the model may be built up in beforehand. In oneembodiment, wherein the pre-processing and the classification isperformed in the unit 100 carried by the skier, the model may bedownloaded from a server 110 in order to perform the classification.However, another possible embodiment is that the statistical model isbuilt up based on the skier's own movements. It may be enough to buildthe model on only ten periods from a periodic movement of a certainmovement class. The model may then be used in the unit 100 for furtheranalysis of the skier's movements. In this scenario, the step ofbuilding up the model may be performed after the step 210 of receivingtime series data from the sensor. The pre-processing of the sensor datais thus also useful for the build-up of a powerful statistical model.

Embodiments of the method may also comprise the storing of at least oneof the received time series data, the data representation, informationrelated to the classification of the periodic movement, and theperformance indicator values. Typically, the storing will be done in adatabase 120 connected to a server 110. By storing the raw data, anyanalysis is possible to perform in the future. However, storing only thepre-processed data representation diminishes the requirement on storingcapacity. It may also be interesting to store the classification resultsfor a certain skier and the performance indicators, as well as e.g.information related to what ski track the information corresponds to.The stored performance indicators may e.g. be used to compare differentskiers or a same skier over time.

As already described above, the statistical model used for theclassification comprises a Markov chain of multivariate Gaussiandistributions for the movement class. In more detail this means that theprobability distribution over the data representation X of a movementperiod, consisting of k*n elements where k is the number of sensors andn the number of time steps in each period after the transformation,comprising e.g. the filtering and the re-sampling, is for each movementclass C modeled as:

P(X|C)=P({acute over (x)} ₀ |C)Π_(i=1) ^(n) P({acute over (x)} _(i)|{acute over (x)} _(i−1) ,C)  [1]

where each {acute over (x)}_(i) contains the k sensor valuescorresponding to the i:th time step, and each factor P({acute over(x)}_(i)|{acute over (x)}_(i−1),C) is represented by a 2*k dimensionalmultivariate Gaussian distribution. The parameters of the Gaussiandistributions are estimated from previously collected sensor data fromeach movement class.

When the statistical model comprising more than one movement class isused for classification, Bayes theorem may be used to calculate theprobability that a data representation X of a movement period belongs toa certain movement class C. The probability is calculated for eachmovement class C using:

P(C|X)∝P(X|C)P(c)  [2]

where P(C) is the prior probability of each class which is typicallyassumed to be the same for all classes, and ∝ stands for “isproportional to”. The movement class with the highest probability isthen selected.

When the statistical model comprises only one class, the datarepresentation X of the movement period is said to belong to the classof the model when:

P(X|C)>ε  [3]

where ε is a suitably selected threshold.

An advantage of using a statistical model comprising a Markov chain ofmultivariate Gaussian distributions is that the model is robust, as theMarkov chain allows to break up the very high dimensional input spaceinto a number of smaller dimensional input spaces, and each Gaussiandistribution is not as sensitive to noise and deviating values as a morecomplex non-linear model may be. Furthermore, the build-up of the model,as well as the classification based on the model, is computationallyefficient. This means that it is possible to classify data from athree-dimensional accelerometer and determine performance indicatorsbased on the data and the classification without problems with regardsto computation performance.

FIG. 2b is a flowchart illustrating the method for determining a valueof a performance indicator for a periodic movement performed by a humanor an animal according to a further embodiment of the invention. Themethod according to any of the embodiments described above mayoptionally comprise, in addition to e.g. the steps described withreference to FIG. 2a , at least one of:

-   -   260: Retrieving information related to at least one of a pulse        beat and a position of the human or the animal when performing        the periodic movement. The value of the performance indicator        may then be determined based also on the retrieved information.    -   270: Comparing the determined value of the performance indicator        with a threshold value.    -   280: Transmitting a signal generated based on the comparison to        the human or animal performing the periodic movement via a user        interface. The signal may be at least one of an audio signal, a        tactile signal, and a visual signal. As described above, the        audio or tactile signal may be more convenient for the athlete        during the exercise. Visualizing the feedback in a user        interface is probably more useful e.g. for a trainer following        the skier's performance. The trainer may want to visualize the        performance indicator results or the feedback signals. The        result from the classification and the performance indicators        may e.g. be visualized in a graphical web user interface.        External analysis programs such as Excel or Mathlab may also be        used to view the results.

FIGS. 4a-c and FIGS. 5a-c illustrate plot diagrams produced from rawdata received from a three-dimensional accelerometer fixed on the chestof skiers performing the periodical movement of a defined ski skatinggear. FIGS. 4a-c illustrate the plot diagrams for three different skiers(one skier per figure) using skating gear 2, and FIGS. 5a-c illustratethe plot diagrams for the three different skiers using skating gear 3.In each figure, the left most plot diagram shows the acceleration of thelateral movement on the x-axis of the diagram, and the acceleration ofthe vertical movement on the y-axis of the diagram. The middle plotshows the acceleration of the lateral movement on the x-axis, and theacceleration of the horizontal backward and forward movement on they-axis. The right most plot diagram shows the acceleration of thevertical movement on the x-axis, and the acceleration of the horizontalmovement on the y-axis. Said movement directions, i.e. the lateral, thevertical, and the horizontal movement directions are perpendicular toeach other.

In one use case of the present invention, the skier wants to receiveperformance indicator information during an exercise. The performanceindicator values should also be stored together with the used skatingclass at given times during an exercise. The skier fastens the unit 100on her chest with an elastic ribbon, which may e.g. be a smart phonecomprising an accelerometer, and an application adapted to receive thesensor data and to perform the pre-processing, the classification andthe determining of the performance indicator values. The application isstarted and the skier carries out the skating exercise in the track.During the exercise, sound and/or tactile signals are fed back to theskier via a sound/tactile user interface 104, thus indicating how theskier is performing. The feedback signals are generated based on acomparison of the continuously determined performance indicator valueswith threshold values. When the exercise is finished, the results mayalso be viewed on the smart phones display, e.g. in a graphical view.Furthermore, the results may be viewed by the skier's trainer byaccessing the result via the internet server. More detailed analysis mayalso be performed on the server, either in real-time, or at a laterstage.

Another example scenario, in which embodiments of the invention may beapplied, is the evaluation of the periodic movement of a hockey playerthat e.g. performs repetitive exercises during a training session, thusproducing a periodic movement. A training session could e.g. compriseevaluation of the stick handling during dribbling. A period of movementfor a dribble may be defined as the movement of bringing the stick backand forth once to hit the puck. Interesting performance indicators maybe the amount of dribbles performed during a certain time interval, i.e.a calculation of the frequency of movement, as well as the consistencyof the movement measured over more than one period. Another movementexample may be wrist shots performed by a hockey player during atraining session, where one period of the movement corresponds to onewrist shot. The frequency as well as the consistency of the movement maybe interesting performance indicators to evaluate also this movement. Afurther movement example may be a vertical jump of the hockey player onice skates, where the performance indicators may be needed to measureand evaluate the strength of the hockey player's legs looking at thetime in the air and the height over ice.

Also the actual skating stride technique of the hockey player may beevaluated for investigating e.g. her speed and agility in skating. Theperiodic movement of a hockey player performing different skatingstrides may be analyzed and evaluated. Each period of the movement maye.g. be classified in different movement classes of e.g. forward skatingstride, backward skating stride, forward cross-over, and backwardcross-over. Different performance indicators such as those describedpreviously and used for cross-country skiers or runners may bedetermined and used also for evaluating a hockey players skating stridetechnique.

An embodiment of a system 30 for determining a value of a performanceindicator for a periodic movement performed by a human or an animal isschematically illustrated in the block diagram in FIG. 3a . The system30 comprises an inertial sensor 305 a for sensing the periodic movement.The sensor may be an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. The system alsocomprises a communication unit 304 connected to a processing circuit302. The communication unit 304 is configured to receive time seriesdata from the inertial sensor 305 a. The processing circuit 302 isconfigured to partition the received time series data into periods ofthe movement, and transform the time series data of each period into adata representation of a defined size. The processing circuit 302 isalso configured to classify each period into a movement class based onthe data representations and a statistical model comprising a Markovchain of multivariate Gaussian distributions for each at least onemovement class. The processing circuit 302 is further configured todetermine a performance indicator for at least one period of themovement, based on the data representation of at least one period, andon the movement class of the at least one period. The performanceindicator may comprise one or more of the above described performanceindicators, and the processing circuit 302 may be configured todetermine the performance indicators according to any of the embodimentsdescribed above with reference to the method.

The system may in this embodiment correspond to the unit 100 in FIG. 1that the skier is carrying. The communication unit 304 may optionally beconfigured to receive data from an additional sensor node 305 b, or fromanother device. The additional sensor node may be a pulse beat sensorfor sensing pulse beats of the human or the animal when performing theperiodic movement. An example of other devices that may be connected isa GPS receiver device. Such additional sensors or devices may be usedfor determining a position or a speed of the human or the animal whenperforming the periodic movement and the processing circuit 302 may beconfigured to determine the value of the performance indicator basedalso on the retrieved information. The system may optionally comprise atransmitter 303 connected to one or more antennas 308 for transmittingsensor data or analysis results to e.g. an external server. The systemmay in embodiments also comprise a receiver for receiving data from theexternal server e.g. via the one or more antennas 308.

In an alternative way to describe the embodiment in FIG. 3a , the system30 comprises a Central Processing Unit (CPU) which may be a single unitor a plurality of units. Furthermore, the system comprises at least onecomputer program product (CPP) in the form of a non-volatile memory,e.g. an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), aflash memory or a disk drive. The CPP comprises a computer program,which comprises code means which when run on the system 30 causes theCPU to perform steps of the procedure described earlier in conjunctionwith FIG. 2a . In other words, when said code means are run on the CPU,they correspond to the processing circuit 302 of FIG. 3 a.

Another embodiment of the system 30 is schematically illustrated in theblock diagram in FIG. 3b . The system may in this embodiment correspondto the whole of system 10 in FIG. 1. The system 30 comprises an inertialsensor 305 a for sensing the periodic movement, comprised in the unit301 carried by the skier performing the periodic movement. The unit 301also comprises a communication unit 304 connected to a processingcircuit 302. The communication unit 304 is configured to receive timeseries data from the inertial sensor 305 a, and possibly from anadditional sensor node 305 b. The system 30 further comprises a server310, and the unit 301 comprises a transmitter 303 connected to anantenna 308 for transmitting sensor data, data representations,classification results, and/or performance indicator values to theserver 310, e.g. via a mobile network. The system may in embodimentsalso comprise a receiver for receiving data, such as the downloadedstatistical model from the external server. The received sensor data mayin one embodiment be transmitted to the server 310, and a processingcircuit 312 on the server 310 is configured to partition the receivedtime series data into periods of the movement, transform the time seriesdata of each period into a data representation of a defined size,classify each period into a movement class based on the datarepresentations and the statistical model, and determine a performanceindicator for at least one period of the movement, based on the datarepresentation and on the movement class of the at least one period.However, as already described previously, in an alternative embodiment,the pre-processing of the sensor data may be performed by the processingcircuit 302 in the unit 301, and the pre-processed data may betransmitted to the server 310 for classification and for determiningperformance indicator values. The system is in embodiments furtheradapted to store at least one of the received time series data, the datarepresentation, information related to the classification of theperiodic movement, and performance indicators. The system 30 may thusfurther comprise a database 320 connected to the server 310, adapted tostore sensor data, classification results, or performance indicators.The database 320 may in embodiments be integrated with the server 310.The system may be further adapted to build up the statistical modelbased on the data representation derived from pre-collected time seriesdata associated with the at least one movement class.

In a further embodiment, the system 30 may further comprise a userinterface 306. The processing circuit 302 may be further configured tocompare the determined value of the performance indicator with athreshold value, generate a feedback signal based on the comparison, andtransmit the generated signal to the user interface 306. The userinterface 306 may be used to receive a tactile or audio signal, or tovisualize the performance indicators e.g. over time or in relation tothe movement class. In the embodiment described in FIG. 3b , the system30 may also comprise a client 330 connected to the server, to realizethe visualization.

The units and circuits described above with reference to FIGS. 3a-b maybe logical units, separate physical units or a combination of bothlogical and physical units.

The above mentioned and described embodiments are only given as examplesand should not be limiting. Other solutions, uses, objectives, andfunctions within the scope of the accompanying patent claims may bepossible.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A method for determining a value of a performanceindicator for a periodic movement performed by a human or an animal, themethod comprising: receiving (210) time series data from an inertialsensor used for sensing the periodic movement, partitioning (220) thereceived time series data into periods of the movement, transforming(230) the time series data of each period into a data representation ofa defined size, classifying (240) each period into a movement classbased on the data representation and a statistical model comprising aMarkov chain of multivariate Gaussian distributions for each at leastone movement class, determining (250) a value of a performance indicatorfor at least one period of the movement, based on the datarepresentation and on the movement class of the at least one period. 24.The method according to claim 23, wherein the performance indicatorcomprises a level of consistency for at least two periods classifiedinto a same movement class, and wherein the value of the level ofconsistency is determined based on a variance of the data representationfor the at least two periods.
 25. The method according to claim 23,wherein the performance indicator comprises a frequency of movement, andwherein the value of the frequency of movement is determined by dividingan amount of subsequent periods classified into a same movement classwith the time lapsed during said subsequent periods.
 26. The methodaccording to claim 23, wherein the performance indicator comprises alevel of symmetry for a period classified into a movement classcorresponding to a symmetric movement, and wherein the value of thelevel of symmetry is determined based on a variance of the datarepresentation of the period and a cyclically phase-shifted and mirroreddata representation of the period.
 27. The method according to claim 23,wherein the performance indicator comprises a propulsion indicator for aperiod of a specific movement class, and wherein determining (250) thevalue of the propulsion indicator comprises: determining a first timevalue corresponding to a sequence of positive forward accelerationvalues in the data representation of the period, determining a secondtime value corresponding to the time of the period, and dividing thefirst time value with the second time value.
 28. The method according toclaim 23, the method further comprising: retrieving (260) informationrelated to at least one of a pulse beat and a position of the human orthe animal when performing the periodic movement, and wherein the valueof the performance indicator is determined based also on the retrievedinformation.
 29. The method according to claim 23, wherein the periodicmovement is one of: a movement of a cross-country skier using a classicski technique; a movement of a cross-country skier using a skatetechnique; a movement of a runner; a person performing a rehab programmemovement; a movement of a horse.
 30. The method according to claim 23,further comprising comparing (270) the determined value of theperformance indicator with a threshold value, and transmitting (280) asignal generated based on the comparison to the human or animalperforming the periodic movement via a user interface.
 31. The methodaccording to claim 30, wherein the signal is at least one of an audiosignal, a tactile signal, and a visual signal.
 32. The method accordingto claim 23, wherein partitioning (220) the received time series datacomprises low-pass filtering the received time series data to identifylimits between each period of the movement, and partitioning thereceived time series data according to the identified limits.
 33. Themethod according to claim 23, wherein transforming (230) the time seriesdata of each period comprises low-pass filtering the time series data ofeach period to reduce noise, and re-sampling the low-pass filtered datato form a data representation of a defined size.
 34. A system (30) fordetermining a value of a performance indicator for a periodic movementperformed by a human or an animal, the system comprising an inertialsensor (305 a) for sensing the periodic movement, and a communicationunit (304) connected to a processing circuit (302), wherein thecommunication unit is configured to receive time series data from theinertial sensor, and wherein the processing circuit is configured to:partition the received time series data into periods of the movement,transform the time series data of each period into a data representationof a defined size, classify each period into a movement class based onthe data representation and a statistical model comprising a Markovchain of multivariate Gaussian distributions for each at least onemovement class, and determine a performance indicator for at least oneperiod of the movement, based on the data representation and on themovement class of the at least one period.
 35. The system according toclaim 34, further comprising at least one of a pulse beat sensor (305 b)for sensing pulse beats of the human or the animal when performing theperiodic movement, and a global positioning system, GPS, receiver devicefor determining a position of the human or the animal when performingthe periodic movement, wherein the communication unit (304) is furtherconfigured to retrieve information related to a pulse beat from thepulse beat sensor and to a position from the GPS receiver device, andwherein the processing circuit (302) is configured to determine thevalue of the performance indicator based also on the retrievedinformation.
 36. The system (30) according to claim 34, furthercomprising a user interface, wherein the processing circuit (302) isfurther configured to compare the determined value of the performanceindicator with a threshold value and to transmit a signal generatedbased on the comparison to the user interface.
 37. The system accordingto claim 34, wherein the performance indicator comprises a level ofconsistency for at least two periods classified into a same movementclass, and wherein the processing circuit is further configured todetermine the value of the level of consistency based on a variance ofthe data representation for the at least two periods.
 38. The systemaccording to claim 34, wherein the performance indicator comprises afrequency of movement, and wherein the processing circuit is furtherconfigured to determine the value of the frequency of movement bydividing an amount of subsequent periods classified into a same movementclass with the time lapsed during said subsequent periods.
 39. Thesystem according to claim 34, wherein the performance indicatorcomprises a level of symmetry for a period classified into a movementclass corresponding to a symmetric movement, and wherein the processingcircuit is further configured to determine the value of the level ofsymmetry based on a variance of the data representation of the periodand a cyclically phase-shifted and mirrored data representation of theperiod.
 40. The system according to claim 34, wherein the performanceindicator comprises a propulsion indicator for a period of a specificmovement class, and wherein the processing circuit is further configuredto determine the value of the propulsion indicator by: determining afirst time value corresponding to a sequence of positive forwardacceleration values in the data representation of the period,determining a second time value corresponding to the time of the period,and dividing the first time value with the second time value.
 41. Thesystem according to claim 34, wherein the processing circuit isconfigured to partition the received time series data by low-passfiltering the received time series data to identify limits between eachperiod of the movement, and by partitioning the received time seriesdata according to the identified limits.
 42. The system according toclaim 34, wherein the processing circuit is configured to transform thetime series data of each period by low-pass filtering the time seriesdata of each period to reduce noise, and by re-sampling the low-passfiltered data to form a data representation of a defined size.